Chapter 51: A Little Bit of Friction

Chapter 51: A Little Awkward

The terms for the song authorization had long been settled; today was merely a formality to sign the agreement.

Once this formality was completed, it was time to discuss other matters.

Zhou Bo’s manager, Ma Fang, said, “Suxin, Teacher Lu, we specifically came to Haidu this time not only to discuss the authorization of the song ‘Sea,’ but also to address two other matters with you both.

"One of these you are already aware of: Zhou Bo has some questions about performing ‘Sea’ and would like to consult with you, Teacher Lu, the original creator. The other matter concerns Zhou Bo’s new album.

"The company plans to release Zhou Bo’s new album promptly after ‘Don’t Leave’ airs, striking while the iron is hot. Most of the songs are already in place, including ‘Sea.’ However, we still need two new songs. If either of you have suitable works, we are willing to purchase them at the same price as ‘Sea.’”

Zhang Suxin glanced at Lu Anzhi, who gave her a look that left the decision to her without speaking. Settling her mind, she faced Zhou Bo and Ma Fang and asked, “May I know what kind of new songs you are looking for?”

Ma Fang replied, “The theme song for Zhou Bo’s new album is called ‘Millennium,’ and we have acquired two other tracks, both centered on the concept of time and space. So we intend to shape this album around that theme.

“However, at present, the other songs—including Teacher Lu’s ‘Sea’—are unrelated to time and space. If possible, we hope that at least one of the two songs we receive will fit the time-space theme… Of course, the theme is not a strict requirement; the main thing is that the song is good.”

Zhou Bo sighed and said, “Ever since the music copyright network appeared, the music industry has gradually changed. Talented lyricists and composers have become increasingly stringent about copyrights. The average ones care less, but I can’t accept that...

“Ma Fang gave Zhou Bo a frantic look, even nudging him twice under the table. But Zhou Bo remained unmoved and continued, “So now, every time we acquire a good song, it comes at a considerable cost. We’re very cautious about picking songs. The only requirement is that the song must be good. As long as the song is good, everything else can be negotiated.”

Lu Anzhi couldn’t see Ma Fang’s subtle under-the-table gestures, but he caught Zhou Bo’s look that silenced him. It seemed Zhou Bo was not one to be easily controlled; having such a manager must be somewhat exhausting.

He heard Zhou Bo continue, “As long as there’s a good song, even if it’s more…”

Before he could finish, Ma Fang interrupted, “As long as there’s a good song, we will definitely show sincerity.”

Zhou Bo was left speechless.

Ma Fang continued, “Suxin, you were once a prominent figure in the music scene and understand our industry well. How do you find the price we offered for the ‘Sea’ authorization? Quite sincere, right? Teacher Lu, you have produced such an excellent song, so you must know the state of the music world. If you two have sufficiently outstanding new songs, we will buy them at a high price—paying the same as we did for ‘Sea’ is no problem.”

Zhou Bo remained silent.

There must be something else behind this.

But seeing the atmosphere, Zhang Suxin did not want to prolong Ma Fang’s eagerness and said, “We’ll go back and see if we have any good songs. If so, we will contact you.”

“Good!” Ma Fang responded. “By the way, do you have time? Zhou Bo would like to ask Teacher Lu about the song ‘Sea.’ Zhou Bo, you can speak.”

Zhou Bo had no choice but to drop the previous topic and took up the matter of ‘Sea’: “Teacher Lu, recently I’ve tried singing ‘Sea’ several times, practiced countless times, but whenever I record it fully, it never quite matches your demo version. I can’t seem to find the key difference. I’d like you to give me some guidance.”

Lu Anzhi nodded, “I’ve already listened to the recording you sent to Suxin. It’s actually not much different. You’re a professional singer, your vocal skills are far better than mine; it’s just that you missed some nuances in the singing style.”

After Zhou Bo called Zhang Suxin last time, Lu Anzhi had asked him to send his recordings. When Zhou Bo emailed the audio, Zhang Suxin downloaded it, and Lu Anzhi listened then.

As a professional singer, Zhou Bo’s vocal skills indeed surpassed Lu Anzhi’s, though the latter’s talents from a past life were not lacking; the difference was slight.

When Zhang Suxin heard Lu Anzhi call her “Suxin,” a strange feeling rose in her heart. It was like embarrassment, yet upon reflection, it was not quite that. Overall, it was an awkward sensation—a kind of indescribable discomfort.

She recalled that since she and Lu Anzhi had begun interacting, they had never addressed each other by name. They always spoke directly, skipping any form of address. Even when talking about Song Xiaoqin, she referred to her as “Qianqian’s dad” or “Qianqian’s mom.” Yet now, facing outsiders, she heard Lu Anzhi utter “Suxin.”

Curiously, Ma Fang had also called her by that name, but she did not feel awkward then. Why did it feel different when Lu Anzhi said it?

Despite the awkwardness, she vaguely felt... she wanted to hear Lu Anzhi call her that again.

It must be a hallucination! Definitely a hallucination!

Zhang Suxin pressed her lips together.

Lu Anzhi, who was speaking, also felt somewhat awkward. He had anticipated that when interacting with others, he would inevitably have to address Zhang Suxin by name. Unlike with Song Xiaoqin or Wang Ping, where “Qianqian’s mom” could stand in between, here that form of address was unavailable.

He had considered “Boss Zhang” or “Sister Zhang” but hadn’t settled on either. Just after sitting down in this pavilion, upon hearing Ma Fang call Zhang Suxin by her first name, he thought it would be fine for him to do so as well.

But when he actually said it, something felt off. He glanced covertly at Zhang Suxin and saw her eyes lowered slightly, lips lightly pressed together, and found it amusing. That awkward feeling dissipated.

Fortunately, Zhou Bo and Ma Fang noticed nothing of the small awkwardness between Lu Anzhi and Zhang Suxin.

After hearing Lu Anzhi’s words, Zhou Bo’s eyes brightened. “Teacher Lu, you truly are worthy of your title. You immediately saw the crux of the problem. I’ve been pondering it and sensed that the difference between your version and mine lies in the vocal style. But I can’t quite pinpoint it. Please guide me further.”

Lu Anzhi said, “You don’t really need me to guide you. Listen to some songs by decent singers from Sakura Country, and you’ll understand the problem.”

“Sakura Country?”

Zhou Bo didn’t understand right away.

The music scene of Sakura Country didn’t have much influence domestically, nor were many songs covered from there. So it was natural that Zhou Bo had paid little attention to singers or vocal styles from that small eastern nation.

In contrast, Zhang Suxin’s awareness of Sakura Country’s vocal styles and her ability to recognize the unique qualities in Lu Anzhi’s singing after hearing ‘Sea’ was impressive and showed her wide-ranging knowledge.

Lu Anzhi nodded and added a fabricated explanation to appease Zhang Suxin’s curiosity: “I composed this song while traveling in Sakura Country, inspired by the distinctive vocal styles of singers there. With your level, you’ll understand once you listen.”

(End of chapter)